Ian Hazel has demanded his Carshalton Athletic side shape up after insisting the playing squad let down former boss Francis Vines.

Vines was controversially sacked last week after a poor run of results saw the Robins slide towards the Ryman Premier drop-zone.

And Hazel, who has stepped into the breach in a caretaker capacity at Colston Avenue, reckons the blame should be laid at the feet of Athletic’s misfiring stars.

He said: “In terms of their performances there is no doubt the players let Francis down.

“Losing had become a bit of a habit and that has to change.

“The players have to be up for it a lot more than they have been.

“We have to start winning games and that will only happen if the players roll up their sleeves and start to fight.

“I need a change in attitude and I need it fast.”

Carshalton slipped into the bottom four after Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to fellow strugglers Tonbridge Angels.

The returning Charlie Ide was on the scoresheet for the Robins, and Hazel is quick to dismiss the link between Vines’ departure and Ide’s return.

He added: “I know Francis had been trying for some time to get Charlie back here.

“For whatever reason it just did not happen, but we are glad to have him back now.

“When he is in form there are few better strikers in the league and we could very well need him.”

The Robins host Canvey Island this weekend as they continue the battle for points.

And Hazel admits he is looking ahead little more than the next few games.

He added: “I am glad to manage until the end of the season but that is very much it for me.

“I never thought I would be in this position again and I have no intention of staying on as a manager.

“But while I am in charge the key is to stay up and I will do everything in my power to make that happen.”

Carshalton Athletic’s next three games: Feb 27 Canvey Island (h), Mar 2 Tooting & Mitcham (h), 6 Hastings United (a)